“Fashions fade, style is eternal.” – Yves Saint Laurent

YSL couldn’t have said it any better. There is a lot of gray area (50 shades, to be exact) with regards to what is fashionable and what is not. But whether or not you have style is very black and white: you either have it or you don’t. Especially when it comes to wearing black and white.

If you’ve been a long time follower of mine, you will know that I am a huge fan of color and a lover of prints and rich textures. Not everyone can mix and match as I do, but even Chic Vic has her days. I can’t tell you how often I’ve wasted time staring into the depths of my closet just to pick out the right shoe or scarf to match my outfit.

So when I went to my friends at Lalakitty seeking an item to borrow for my next outfit post (readers: use code CHICVIC20 for 20% off your order!), I naturally wanted to pick a floral frock. Instead, one of the co-owners excitedly pulled this white number from the racks. “Try this! It’s much cuter when worn,” she said enthusiastically. I was skeptical, as it was outside the realm of my signature style. It wasn’t colorful or printed, and lacked the soft feminine element I usually preferred. For precisely these reasons: challenge accepted.

Occasionally I like to step out of my vintage bubble and join my friends in the 21st century of fashion, and this tee shirt in faux patent leather was the perfect fit. The cropped and boxy silhouette begs to be worn with something high waisted and slim on the bottom. Instead of wearing it with my usual pair of high-rise skinny jeans or vintage pencil skirt, I reached for my black jogger pants.

Naya Leather Box Top / Urban Outfitters joggers (similar jogger pant and jogger pant) / Enzo Angiolini pumps (similar pumps) / Giannini clutch (similar clutch)

The jogger pant trend has been around since last fall, and up until recently, I had paid it no mind. Remember when everyone and their mom started to wear yoga pants to the café, the mall, the bars – basically everywhere outside the yoga studio? The jogger pant now follows suit.

But these are far from the usual sweatpants you were forced to wear for P.E. classes in junior high. Jogger pants these days come in a plethora of fabrications to make them oh so lux – whether it’s faux leather, silk, denim, or plain old sweatshirt material, the jogger pant is the answer for the girl who wants to look stylish and relaxed, with a hint of urban cool.

To avoid looking like you’re actually going for a jog, try pairing the pants with heels. The result is a perfect juxtaposition of feminine dressy with relaxed comfy. Keep it simple on top with a cropped tank or even a soft cotton tee tucked in for a high waisted jogger pant look.

It don’t matter if you wear black or white, this is one look you won’t want to break a sweat in.

The Jogger Pant